Legrad, a small town in northern Croatia with more than 2,000 inhabitants, fights against the consequences of rural exodus. Although it has been a population center in the past, it is currently facing loss of residents. Legrad is located at the mouth of the Mur and the Drau, near the border with Hungary.
In 1960, more than 5,000 people lived in this community, in 2000 about 2,800 and today just over 2,000 Zero wave. To counteract this trend, the city has implemented a unique strategy: give away houses to young families for a symbolic price of 30 cents. This initiative, which began five years ago with encouraging results, is now being reactivated, said the president of the municipality. Ivan Sabolic.
Since this proposal began in 2018 More than fifty new families have moved to Legrad, adding a total of 120 neighbors. The measure has helped revitalize the population and offer young people a solution to the problem of homelessness.
To take advantage of this opportunity, interested couples must meet certain requirements: You must not be older than 45 years old, have no criminal record and must not own another home. Preference will be given to those who want to get involved in local professions and those who have young children. The municipality also offers grants for the renovation of houses.
SabolicAware of the importance of this initiative, urges other cities in Croatia that find themselves in the same situation to take similar measures. It highlights that more and more young people in the country are struggling to find homes and this proposal not only benefits young families but also addresses the wider issue of rural depopulation.